Why First-Time Church Goers Get Turned Off and Don’t Return: Survey

Christian blogger Thom S. Rainer, who is president of LifeWay Christian Resources, conducted an unscientific Twitter poll that asked first-time church guests what factors made them decide not to return.

Surprisingly, the number one reason given was that most folks abhor the idea of being made to stand and acknowledge themselves a/k/a meet and greet. They just don’t like it.

So, based on Mr. Rainer’s research, here are some of the reasons most first-time church visitor don’t return:

1. Many guests are introverts. “I would rather have a root canal than be subjected to a stand and greet time.”

2. Some guests perceive the members are not sincere during the time of greeting. “In most of the churches it should be called a stand and fake it time. The members weren’t friendly at all except for ninety seconds.”

3. Many guests don’t like the lack of hygiene that takes place during this time. “Look, I’m not a germaphobe, but that guy wiped his nose right before he shook my hand.”

4. Many times the members only greet other members. “I went to one church where no one spoke to me the entire time of greeting. I could tell they were speaking to people they already knew.”

Interesting, huh? But keep in mind, the list is not scientific and you can get the rest at Baptist Press.